Zara Mirrored Tiger T-shirt

I picked this up while shopping at Zara in Shibuya, Tokyo. The material is thin and billow-y so it's perfect for spring and summer! That and the lengths is long, so it drapes nicely off the body and I don't have to worry about plumber bum.



xx mindy

OOTD: Ueno Park, Tokyo

Tokyo is fabulous~ such an amazing city. The shopping is amazing, but of course that goes without saying :) 

black beanie: asos (link)

flannel shirt: uniqlo

trousers: american apparel easy jeans - size: S, colour: indigo (link)

shoes: purple converse

jacket: purchased in Tokyo

bag: vintage - purchased in Tokyo

watch: casio - purchased on amazon but the same model is sold at american apparel (link)

nails: L'oreal - 540 'jet set to paris'

xx mindy

Japanese Fashion Magazine JELLY

JELLY March 2013 Issue

'Jelly' is a Japanese fashion magazine geared more towards that of 'gyaru' style, that being a more tan, heavily bleached/dyed hair and dramatic nails and makeup. The models in Jelly however (compared to the traditional 'gyaru') are not as dramatic with their image. Their fashion tends to be less innocent and cute, giving off a more sexy/cool vibe.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

The models in Jelly are more tan than most models found in Japanese magazines, and most of them (if not all) appear to be wearing circle lenses. A few of them also have their hair dyed in lighter blonde shades.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

One notable thing about Jelly is that all their models appear to be full Japanese, whereas in the fashion magazine ViVi (Link!) almost all of the models are half-Japanese. Because of this, the styling tends to be less similar to that of British/North American fashion; it still maintains a notable Japanese 'cuteness.'

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

While there were some pieces and styles that I really liked, I couldn't call Jelly one of my preferred fashion magazines. This is only because the 'cute' Japanese style doesn't suit me at all--that and gyaru. Something else that I noticed: almost all of the high-heels the models were wearing were obviously way too big. It's definitely not a deal breaker, but I couldn't help but get annoyed since the models didn't make an effort to conceal this.



xx mindy

Current Beauty Covets

current beauty covets by curlsandmindy 

The Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder may have to be my next purchase! I'm practically out of my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and I'm looking to try something new. Not only is it matte, which I love, but it is supposed to have an amazingly smooth finish. That and the packaging is gold; excellent.

I love me a good winged eyeliner, but all I have at the moment is gel. Applying a gel liner can sometimes be a bother because if you're having an off day (which happens often for some of us...), the product can start drying on the brush, making the application a bit more troublesome. The Stila stay all day looks promising and very pigmented. I heard Milani carries a really good eyeliner, as well, but I'll have to wait until later this summer when I'm back in North America.

I'm running low on my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, so I've been eyeing the Laura Mercier foundation primer to replenish. I'm a huge skincare buff (probably more than makeup) so anything by laura mercier just makes sense to me. Also, this "radiance" business sounds appealing.

xx mindy

Casio Men's Watch Model 587 593

Casio Men's Watch Model 587 593

I've been wanting a wrist-watch forever and for the longest time I had been eyeing a particular type with the following criteria:  black leather strap. small circular face. gold. I honestly don't understand how I've managed to go from that very dainty and lady-like style to this Casio Men's Watch, but I'm happy that I've broadened my wrist-watch horizons.

It's very simple and very boy-ish, but one of the main reasons why I like it is the metallic strap. While a black leather strap is very classy, it tends to fade and warp over time, so I thought that a metallic strap would be more practical considering the price. Also, it is easily adjustable!

Casio Men's Watch Model 587 593

This type of watch usually retails for around $60 USD, and you can find this model or similar styles at american apparel or on asos. I got mine on Amazon Japan for 980 yen, which roughly converts to under $10 USD--don't hate! I don't understand how I've been living so long without a watch; it's practically shameful.




xx mindy

Uniqlo Flannel Top in Red and Black

Uniqlo Flannel Top

This is my second flannel shirt I've purchased from Uniqlo (you can see the first, here!). I knew I was going to get a lot of wear out of my first purchase, but I eventually found myself longing for more--more variety...more colour. 

Originally, I wanted to stay away from red because I already have very pink skin and mild redness on my face but I found that I needed more colour contrast in my wardrobe. This flannel top in red and black was the only colour that was able to console this material longing.

The colour contrast of the red and black is very muted, so it's quite flattering. The colour works well with my skin-tone because it's an almost distressed, washed out red and blackish-gray, making it very easy on the eyes and complimentary against the skin.

These flannel tops are just so easy to wear, I just can't get enough of them! Spaz!




xx mindy

Bioderma Créaline H₂O Makeup Remover

Bioderma Créaline H₂O

I was shopping in Kyoto, Japan, recently specifically for an eye-makeup remover when I stumbled upon Bioderma's Créaline H₂O formula. I had first heard about it from Youtube beauty guru Lisa Eldridge and I knew it's availability was limited in North America, so you could imagine my surprise when came across it. Considering it was destiny, I bought the 500ml bottle for roughly $23 USD.

Bioderma Créaline H₂O

While I have tried out a fair share of makeup removers in the past they usually left a greasy residue (that left my eyes irritated) or transfered my makeup as opposed to removing it.  The formula is scent-free, with a consistency almost identical to water. Needless to say, I was very skeptical...I didn't was to spend over $20 on a bottle of water disappointment, especially after Bioderma has received so much hype.

But I digress. I was shocked at how well it removed my eye makeup in one swipe. The makeup was literally lifted off my eye and after a second cotton pad my eye was completely makeup free; no transferred mascara or eye liner, no panda eyes hello freedom!! It also doesn't leave a questionable residue on my skin or irritate my eyes.

I definitely think Bioderma is worth investing in. It may be pricey but considering how effective it is, it just makes sense to spend the extra money. It saves me a lot of time in the evening and saves my skin, especially my eyes, a lot of unnecessary tampering. I highly recommend it!

xx mindy